October 24, 2013

DeMarcus Ware working hard to get back, but he's still not ready to practice

DeMarcus Ware missed the first game of his nine-year career after playing in 134 consecutive. The defensive end didn't like watching from the sideline.

"I put my coaching hat on last week," Ware said Thursday. "They were like, 'How comfortable are you with the coaching hat?' I said, 'I’m not comfortable with that at all.' I want to be out there playing on the field, so I’m working my butt off to get back."

Ware said he will make the trip to Detroit, but he doesn't know if he will play. He has not practiced since injuring his quadriceps in the Oct. 13 victory over Washington. He spent Thursday's practice rehabbing on the side.

"I’m getting a lot better," Ware said. "Everything is progressing how it should. I’m just glad that it’s not stagnant, not just sitting here. Just working out, rehabbing every day."

The Cowboys had three sacks last week without the franchise's all-time sack leader in the lineup.

"Our philosophy on the defensive line has always been four equals one," Ware said. "And you can see how four guys out there playing to a very high standard, especially Jason Hatcher. He’s been playing real well. Nick Hayden, and Selvie. Wilber. Everybody’s out there playing to their standard and getting the job done and being effective."

Ware, 31, has 13 tackles, four sacks and 16 quarterback pressures this season. He has had double-digit sacks every season except his rookie season of 2005.